If you find that you are good with work that involves your hands, consider giving woodworking a try. From measuring to cutting to piecing things together, it is a fun way to spend your time. The tips below will help you get started on the right foot, ensuring your first project is a great one.
Tape can be your friend when gluing stained wood together. Place the two pieces of wood together in a clamp and tape the seam before applying the glue. Carefully cut the tape along the joint and then separate the two pieces of the wood and apply the glue along the joint. Clamp together and allow to dry. The tape will keep the glue off the wood and is easy to remove once the glue is dried.
Use hot glue instead of clamps for little things. When cutting, filing, sanding, or finishing something small, use the hot glue gun to glue the piece to your pedestal stick. The glue holds holds just like clamps, if not better than clamps. It also works great for things that clamps will not work on. When you finish your project, loosen it gently with a putty knife.
Ask local hardware stores if they sponsor woodworking classes. You may be surprised by what you find! In fact, your local Home Depot or Lowes might have classes available monthly that’ll help you hone your skills. This is a quick way to grow as a woodworker with very little out of pocket costs.
Make sure your workbench is the proper height. It really can make a big difference. It needs to fit you and how you work. Usually if you are around 5’6″ to 5’9″ you probably need one that is between 33″ and 36″ high. If you are 5’10” or taller, you may need one that is between 35″ and 37″ high. Use your bench at its current height to determine if you need to change it to work better for you.
Test the color of a stain before doing the complete stain on more visible areas. Wood is never predictable, so a stain may not look the way you expect or need it to when applied to the wood you are using. When you test the stain in a spot that’s not easily visible, you prevent having a project turn out badly.
Do you lose drill press key chucks often? A good way to keep them within reach is to drill a hole somewhere on the drill press they fit. On top of the press is a good place, where you can see it. Drill a small hole the exact same size of the chuck’s crossbar and it will fit in perfectly.
If you are going to be doing a big woodworking project on the outside of your home, check to make sure it is within the rules. Your local government may have zoning regulations or even a permit process needed for structures like garages, decks and even storage sheds. Also check with your neighborhood association if there is one.
You make mistakes. Always remember that, but never say it. You have made mistakes in the past, you are going to make them in the future. Always treat them as learning opportunities. However, never point them out to others or talk about them. Others may not notice, or even care. They’re likely to just be impressed you did something they couldn’t.
If you are good with your hands, woodworking is the activity for you. Take your time to absorb the knowledge you have gained here and you’ll find that entering the world of working with wood becomes easier. In the end, you’ll find success with your projects and a new hobby to enjoy.
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